Bills Pre-Draft Depth Chart

[ColoradoBills]

I stumbled onto a fairly good site giving the Bills current (as of March 31st) Depth Chart.  They seem pretty good at keeping it updated.

https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/depthchart/BUF

We all know a vet CB may be in the UFA picture and of course a new Punter.

Not a lot of holes at all and I'm interested as to what members of the board see as issues needed to be addressed.

 

NOTE:  I don't know why they put Bates as a backup when we all know he is penciled in as the starter.

 

HELP:  I tried getting a screen shot to post but I'm having trouble.  If anyone can do that I'm sure others would appreciate it.

I will EDIT the OP if someone does that to make it easier to reference.

[billsfan1959]

[ColoradoBills]

2 minutes ago, billsfan1959 said:

 

Much thanks '59!  The site also has Safford as RG which probably isn't happening.

I am curious as to what fans think about the starters and depth at DL.

 

[smuvtalker]

Damn good looking roster if you ask me, damn good.  I haven't been this excited for an upcoming season in all my years as a Bills fan.  I EXPECT us to win every game.

 

We address CB either via FA or a stud draft pick, and this roster will be, dare I say, complete.  

[ColoradoBills]

3 minutes ago, smuvtalker said:

Damn good looking roster if you ask me, damn good.  I haven't been this excited for an upcoming season in all my years as a Bills fan.  I EXPECT us to win every game.

 

We address CB either via FA or a stud draft pick, and this roster will be, dare I say, complete.  

 

LOL, that is my opinion too.  You add the starters and 2nd players plus the 3 ST guys and that's 47.

Only 6 spots from the remaining depth chart.  I thought of posting this after discussions on later round draft picks.

 

[billsfan1959]

1 minute ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Much thanks '59!  The site also has Safford as RG which probably isn't happening.

I am curious as to what fans think about the starters and depth at DL.

 

 

IMO, the two greatest areas of need on the DL were (1) run defense and (2) a pass rushing difference maker. Miller checks off the difference maker. As far as the rush defense, Rousseau actuall graded out very high in run D, the interior rush defense should be much better with Settle and Jones, and Miller is not just an exceptional pass rusher. He has consistently graded high in run D as well.

 

I think the addition of Miller will improve the games of Oliver and Rousseau, and I think an improved Dline takes more pressure off the secondary.

[ColoradoBills]

1 minute ago, billsfan1959 said:

 

IMO, the two greatest areas of need on the DL were (1) run defense and (2) a pass rushing difference maker. Miller checks off the difference maker. As far as the rush defense, Rousseau actuall graded out very high in run D, the interior rush defense should be much better with Settle and Jones, and Miller is not just an exceptional pass rusher. He has consistently graded high in run D as well.

 

I think the addition of Miller will improve the games of Oliver and Rousseau, and I think an improved Dline takes more pressure off the secondary.

 

Agree and I'm sure that is what Beane and McDermott are hoping for too.  It's going to be a big year for AJ Epenesa.  

He needs to make a move to show he is NFL worthy.  The DL roster also give Basham another year to learn.  At least one

needs to step and show their draft worth.  If both improve things are looking great for the future.

[DCbillsfan]

As OP pointed out, a vet CB will likely be signed.  In the draft, a CB pretty early to provide some depth.  White is likely to start the season on PUP imo.  After that, punter and a returner are the spots that stick out to me.  Besides CB I see them drafting WR, IOL, TE, OT, LB, RB in no particular order.  

[ColoradoBills]

3 minutes ago, DCbillsfan said:

As OP pointed out, a vet CB will likely be signed.  In the draft, a CB pretty early to provide some depth.  White is likely to start the season on PUP imo.  After that, punter and a returner are the spots that stick out to me.  Besides CB I see them drafting WR, IOL, TE, OT, LB, RB in no particular order.  

 

Looking at the depth roster I see CB, WR and IOL in the first 3 rounds.  I am on board with RB, OT, LB and TE as later picks.

Really like to see a punter in the 6th.  Get a guy to push Haack off the roster and hope he is around for a long time.

[DCbillsfan]

4 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Looking at the depth roster I see CB, WR and IOL in the first 3 rounds.  I am on board with RB, OT, LB and TE as later picks.

Really like to see a punter in the 6th.  Get a guy to push Haack off the roster and hope he is around for a long time.

Quite a few punters this year.  Bills may be able to get one as UDFA.  Stroud from Penn State and the kid from Georgia.  Matt Araiza Arizona State is likely to be drafted.

[MasterStrategist]

IMO, the biggest offseason needs:

1. Get more physical in the trenches: DTs-check, Shaq helps run D, Von is great, and Saffold improves 1 G spot.  I think we will take another G, in the 2nd-4th range to compete with Bates.

 

2. Dynamic pass rusher: obviously Von checks this box.  I could see us drafting a speed rusher type mid to late, or possibly bringing back Mario or Jerry if price is right.

 

3. Speed at skill positions: brought back McKenzie, and added Crowder.  Like many, think our 1st two picks will be focused on "boundary" players, specifically athletic WR and CB.

 

4. Backup Qbs: now set

 

5. Get cheaper/less costly depth: with Josh contract about to get expensive, and key decisions with other young talent, we needed to shed our high priced depth...check.  I think we could look for LB, T and S in the middle rounds for depth and S/T.

 

I'd be going into draft targeting speed/skill guys early, then focus on trenches and depth.

[ColoradoBills]

1 minute ago, DCbillsfan said:

Quite a few punters this year.  Bills may be able to get one as UDFA.  Stroud from Penn State and the kid from Georgia.  Matt Araiza Arizona State is likely to be drafted.

 

Stroud has a good chance of being drafted.  That's why I was figuring to use a 6th on him.  One thing I believe the Bills don't want

to have happen is a few of the top rated punters go and they end up with a guy that can't knock off Haack from the roster.

I know it's "just a punter" but I don't see a player from Pick #185 having a reasonable chance other than a ST player making the roster.

3 minutes ago, MasterStrategist said:

3. Speed at skill positions: brought back McKenzie, and added Crowder.  Like many, think our 1st two picks will be focused on "boundary" players, specifically athletic WR and CB.

 

I'm finding it hard to see it any other way.

[Warriorspikes51]

Extend Diggs

sign Haden/Fuller/Rhodes/Nelson

sign Julio Jones

Trade Edmunds

Trade up in 1st for Thibodeaux/Hamilton/Stingley/Sauce/JWill

 

Draft RB  Hall/Walker/Strong/White

Draft WR with YAC/Speed

Draft LB Troy Andersen

 

Edited April 2, 2022 by Warriorspikes51

[Allen2D̶i̶g̶g̶s̶TBD]

Cornerback really stands out as their #1 need by far. 

 

Distant 2nd is outside receiver with speed.

 

3rd is offensive line depth. Doyle is our only backup tackle and Cody Ford will likely be cut/traded (unless Kromer can salvage his career)

 

 

Edited April 2, 2022 by Allen2Diggs

[ngbills]

CB position is the biggest concern. White may not be back until midseason. 

 

RB is still betting on Singletary. Maybe we can upgrade via the draft here. 

 

OL is also an area that could use some depth. Hopefully Morse stays healthy, if not you have Bates as backup. Saffold and Ike/Bates should be average. Dawkins and Brown are solid. 

 

WR is another area the draft could help. Diggs is still the guy, but he got shut down last year vs the prior year. I dont know if the Chief game Davis is the guy you get on a weekly basis. Crowder is a nice pick up. 

 

My draft is best CB/WR in the first and likely 2nd. Then you go best on the board at OL, RB, CB, WR the rest of the draft. 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Interesting on the offensive line, there are 8 players likely to be on the opening day roster not counting Ford.  Typically they keep nine, so assuming they draft at least one, that likely does mean Ford will go the way of the Edsel.

 

Could see them maybe trying to trade Ford, Moss for something maybe picks?  Trading those two would free up around $3.5 mil, cutting them about $2.5 mil.  Then cut Matakevich would free up another $2.5 mil.  That would give them $5 to $6 mil to work with if they were going to try to work out some trade for Bradberry.

 

None D lineman likely to make roster, could see them drafting another or maybe still sign Zimmer to a vet min deal or both.

 

But agree CB is the one area lacking the most.

 

And punter.  Don't follow college that much to know many of the names other than Araiza

[Rocky Landing]

Boettger at LG? I’ll be surprised if he starts the season. He’s rehabbing an Achilles tear. 

[ColoradoBills]

3 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said:

Boettger at LG? I’ll be surprised if he starts the season. He’s rehabbing an Achilles tear. 

 

Yeah I posted they have that wrong.  Also Safford at RG.  It's most likely Bates RG and Safford LG.

I'm sure they will get that changed.

Not to sure who handles the site but I found it a good tool to use at this time of year.  Bills have nothing "official" until later

in the year.

Edited April 2, 2022 by ColoradoBills

[billykay]

52 minutes ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Extend Diggs

sign Haden/Fuller/Rhodes/Nelson

sign Julio Jones

Trade Edmunds

Trade up in 1st for Thibodeaux/Hamilton/Stingley/Sauce/JWill

 

Draft RB  Hall/Walker/Strong/White

Draft WR with YAC/Speed

Draft LB Troy Andersen

 

Julio Jones is a hamstring waiting to happen.

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

Tough to tell what the holes are…depends on how well the pass rush performs.  Corner is a huge need if we’re gonna do the ol get close to bringing down a qb but not close enough thing again 🤣

Edited April 2, 2022 by Generic_Bills_Fan

[ColoradoBills]

22 minutes ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

Interesting on the offensive line, there are 8 players likely to be on the opening day roster not counting Ford.  Typically they keep nine, so assuming they draft at least one, that likely does mean Ford will go the way of the Edsel.

 

It's most definitely his last chance this training camp.  

[Warriorspikes51]

12 minutes ago, billykay said:

Julio Jones is a hamstring waiting to happen.

Our training staff can help him stay on the field

[LABILLBACKER]

Bates & Settle will start. As others have accurately mentioned Tre will start the season on the PUP.  We'll likely find a 1 year stop gap veteran CB (Haden?) to compliment the one we draft early. We desperately need a wr with speed, yac and return skills would help. Drafting Araiza in the 6th or Stout in the 7th is important considering Haack's struggles. A mid round diamond in the rough RB would be nice too.

[LyndonvilleBill]

53 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Yeah I posted they have that wrong.  Also Safford at RG.  It's most likely Bates RG and Safford LG.

I'm sure they will get that changed.

Not to sure who handles the site but I found it a good tool to use at this time of year.  Bills have nothing "official" until later

in the year.

Wonder if they would put Safford on the right side next to Brown... More experienced G next to a 2nd year T. Dawkins next to less experienced Bates.

 

Bates next to Brown doesn't thrill me. Our 2 least experienced O lineman next to eachother on one side...Don't like that. Especially with Allen doing his thing best going to the right.

 

Bates played well on the left. Why move him? Pro Bowler next to Bates (Dawkins) pro bowler next to Brown (Safford). Would seem to be better balance in my opinion. 🤔

[ColoradoBills]

3 minutes ago, LyndonvilleBill said:

Wonder if they would put Safford on the right side next to Brown... More experienced G next to a 2nd year T. Dawkins next to less experienced Bates.

 

Bates next to Brown doesn't thrill me. Our 2 least experienced O lineman next to eachother on one side...Don't like that. Especially with Allen doing his thing best going to the right.

 

Bates played well on the left. Why move him? Pro Bowler next to Bates (Dawkins) pro bowler next to Brown (Safford). Would seem to be better balance in my opinion. 🤔

 

You bring up some good points.  Safford has played some RG.  Good stuff to watch for come the summer.

[Mango]

Looking at that I think WR depth is a serious concern. Probably more pressing than almost anywhere. Followed closely by DB. 
 

Those are 1a and 1b. Followed by LB and OL depth/future. 

[ColoradoBills]

9 minutes ago, Mango said:

Looking at that I think WR depth is a serious concern. Probably more pressing than almost anywhere. Followed closely by DB. 
 

Those are 1a and 1b. Followed by LB and OL depth/future. 

The WR starters for Game #1 are pretty set but yes, a WR in the first 2 days is pretty much mandatory.

[The Jokeman]

3 hours ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Much thanks '59!  The site also has Safford as RG which probably isn't happening.

I am curious as to what fans think about the starters and depth at DL.

 

It's weird seeing Phillips and Lawson as backups but it shows how much this team has changed in 3 seasons. Stafford likely goes to LG and Bates starts at RG unless we want a vet helping our young RT.

12 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

The WR starters for Game #1 are pretty set but yes, a WR in the first 2 days is pretty much mandatory.

It's a deep WR draft so I wouldn't say mandatory as need some long term answers for OG, LB and RB assuming we go CB in Round 1.

[BillsFanForever19]

Rodger Saffold at LG and Ryan Bates at RG instead of Ike Boettger at LG and Rodger Saffold at RG. Everything else is accurate, so far. 

 

2 hours ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

It's most definitely his last chance this training camp.  

 

He's on my list of players that could be moved on Draft Day, alongside A.J. Epenesa and Zack Moss. If he isn't moved to a team that feels a change of system and scenery will bring more out of him, I expect him to be here. I don't see him being flat out cut 3 years removed from being a high 2nd Round pick, with a new OL Coach coming in that could revitalize him.

Edited April 2, 2022 by BillsFanForever19

[HurlyBurly51]

CB stands out, obviously.  After that a speed WR, IOL, RB, and better depth at LB, T, and S.

[Simon Says]

Well,Boettger is recovering from injury so I do wonder why he listed ahead of Bates at LG. I'm surprised Saffold is listed at RIGHT guard.

These are the types of posts I really like!

Other than 1 ,even 2 CBs, I would add an outside WR and a swing tackle.

Edited April 2, 2022 by Georgie

[ColoradoBills]

2 hours ago, The Jokeman said:

It's a deep WR draft so I wouldn't say mandatory as need some long term answers for OG, LB and RB assuming we go CB in Round 1.

 

Mandatory is a bit strong of a phrase but I still think it's important enough to consider in the first 3 rounds

Though I would take another Gabe David in the 4th! 

[Rockinon]

I'm just blown away with how few holes we have. Beane was on fire in free agency. A lot of sneaky good pickups like Saffold, 2 DTs, a TE, an underrated WR....

 

I'd really like to see a quality CB, another IOL, a WR, a LB, and punter. The rest is just gravy. Stay humble and hungry and this team is going to do great things!

[Richard Noggin]

12 hours ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Much thanks '59!  The site also has Safford as RG which probably isn't happening.

I am curious as to what fans think about the starters and depth at DL.

 

The guard projections are almost disqualifyingly uninformed. That Boettger would be listed as a starter, despite his unavailability due to a LATE season Achilles injury, AND the new multi-year deal for Bates who was better as a replacement, AND the acquisition of the obvious new starter at LG...that's a lot of wrong. 

 

Also, Matakevich as backup at WEAK side LB? That's wrong, too. Minor point, but depth charts are about details.

Edited April 3, 2022 by Richard Noggin

[billybrew1]

11 hours ago, smuvtalker said:

Damn good looking roster if you ask me, damn good.  I haven't been this excited for an upcoming season in all my years as a Bills fan.  I EXPECT us to win every game.

 

We address CB either via FA or a stud draft pick, and this roster will be, dare I say, complete.  

We’re going to do both (a vet and a draft pick) absolutely. After signing the vet it may not be the first pick but round four at the very latest probably first to third round. If by some chance the FA signing falls thru, then we have to draft two guys that can play possibly in week one. In fact we may get three corners.

I list needs as CB -OG/WR (tie) another corner, RB, LB, P, OT….

I think we need a player at each position.

RB is a tough one. We have good backs in Singletary, Duke Johnson and Moss but none have Star potential. The only way we should take a back is if the Back is easily BPA but then we’d lose out on the better WRs and without him if Davis or Diggs goes down we’re probably screwed. So it’s a conundrum. A great back could take us to another level, but if Diggs goes down it could cripple the offense. We need another good outside WR. I’d say for sure. The same almost with OG we need a capable backup and someone to replace Saffold next year (probably). Another thing to note is that Saffold is now injury prone at 34 so the OG need is even higher….that’s why I have it as a tie with WR.

To sum up, we’ve really gotta hit CB, WR and OG with good draft picks…

LB is also is also a sneaky need with Klein gone….We’ll have trouble going to our true 4-3 and when Edmunds or Milano goes down the need is greatly multiplied. (And Milano usually goes down a couple weeks.) 

Bottom line: Not only do you need the best 22, it’s the best 53 that wins SuperBowls. You gotta have that depth to win Super Bowls.

Not many people think we still have many holes but we do. We could even use a guy that can challenge Doyle for the swing OT job too, even if he doesn’t make the team, maybe we can call him up from the practice squad if someone goes down. Doyle is still unknown. Be prepared!

 

Go Bills!

 

 

Go Bills!

 

[Dopey]

12 hours ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Extend Diggs

sign Haden/Fuller/Rhodes/Nelson

sign Julio Jones

Trade Edmunds

Trade up in 1st for Thibodeaux/Hamilton/Stingley/Sauce/JWill

 

Draft RB  Hall/Walker/Strong/White

Draft WR with YAC/Speed

Draft LB Troy Andersen

 

JMO, but I wouldn't touch Julio. IR waiting to happen. A draft pick will be a much better option. Also, trading Edmunds and counting on a rookie isn't the way to go for a team that's all in for a super bowl run this year. Would love to pick up Troy in the draft, but not counting on him to replace TE, especially this year. Again JMO.

[Doc Brown]

10 hours ago, The Jokeman said:

It's weird seeing Phillips and Lawson as backups but it shows how much this team has changed in 3 seasons. Stafford likely goes to LG and Bates starts at RG unless we want a vet helping our young RT.

Not really.  In 2019 our starting four were (at least listed) - Hughes, Oliver, Star, Anderson.  I'm not even sure if Shaq makes the team as we're making the assumption he plays at the level he did two years ago.

[No_Matter_What]

16 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:

Not really.  In 2019 our starting four were (at least listed) - Hughes, Oliver, Star, Anderson.  I'm not even sure if Shaq makes the team as we're making the assumption he plays at the level he did two years ago.

Anderson? Man you got me confused for a while. I guess you meant Lorenzo?

 

Anyway this forced me to check our roster and at least PFR says that starters were changing a lot (e.g. Oliver has 7 starts, Phillips has 9). Trent Murphy is listed as a full time starter (16 games) tho.

[Doc Brown]

1 hour ago, No_Matter_What said:

Anderson? Man you got me confused for a while. I guess you meant Lorenzo?

 

Anyway this forced me to check our roster and at least PFR says that starters were changing a lot (e.g. Oliver has 7 starts, Phillips has 9). Trent Murphy is listed as a full time starter (16 games) tho.

Whoops.  Murphy I meant.  I got my white DE's mixed up.

[smuvtalker]

4 hours ago, billybrew1 said:

We’re going to do both (a vet and a draft pick) absolutely. After signing the vet it may not be the first pick but round four at the very latest probably first to third round. If by some chance the FA signing falls thru, then we have to draft two guys that can play possibly in week one. In fact we may get three corners.

I list needs as CB -OG/WR (tie) another corner, RB, LB, P, OT….

I think we need a player at each position.

RB is a tough one. We have good backs in Singletary, Duke Johnson and Moss but none have Star potential. The only way we should take a back is if the Back is easily BPA but then we’d lose out on the better WRs and without him if Davis or Diggs goes down we’re probably screwed. So it’s a conundrum. A great back could take us to another level, but if Diggs goes down it could cripple the offense. We need another good outside WR. I’d say for sure. The same almost with OG we need a capable backup and someone to replace Saffold next year (probably). Another thing to note is that Saffold is now injury prone at 34 so the OG need is even higher….that’s why I have it as a tie with WR.

To sum up, we’ve really gotta hit CB, WR and OG with good draft picks…

LB is also is also a sneaky need with Klein gone….We’ll have trouble going to our true 4-3 and when Edmunds or Milano goes down the need is greatly multiplied. (And Milano usually goes down a couple weeks.) 

Bottom line: Not only do you need the best 22, it’s the best 53 that wins SuperBowls. You gotta have that depth to win Super Bowls.

Not many people think we still have many holes but we do. We could even use a guy that can challenge Doyle for the swing OT job too, even if he doesn’t make the team, maybe we can call him up from the practice squad if someone goes down. Doyle is still unknown. Be prepared!

 

Go Bills!

 

 

Go Bills!

 

Good point you bring up about Saffold being injury prone, I didn't really think about that, or how it affects our G depth...